The Lost Summer by Kathryn Williams

Summary:

"I died one summer, or I almost did. Part of me did. I don't say that to be dramatic, only because it's true."

For the past nine years, Helena Waite has been returning to summer camp at Southpoint. Every year the camp and its familiar routines, landmarks, and people have welcomed her back like a long-lost family member. But this year she is returning not as a camper, but as a counselor, while her best friend, Katie Bell remains behind. All too quickly, Helena discovers that the innocent world of campfires, singalongs, and field days have been pushed aside for late night pranks on the boys' camp, skinny dipping in the lake, and stolen kisses in the hayloft. As she struggles to define herself in this new world, Helena begins to lose sight of what made camp special and the friendships that have sustained her for so many years. And when Ransome, her longtime crush, becomes a romantic reality, life gets even more confusing.

Told with honesty and heart, Kathryn Williams' second novel tackles the timeless theme of growing up, set at a camp where innocence is created and lost.

Review:

I don't know about you, but I adore camp themed books. Maybe it's because I've never really gone to a true sleep away camp ( I'm not too found of nature, so I have no clue what I would do if I did go to camp every summer like Helena does) or beacuse I love summer.

The Lost Summer was a pretty decent book that I enjoyed a ton. I loved the descriptions of the camp actives all of them partake in to how we see what different things the counselors do "after hours".

The characters were for the most part well developed. Helena was probably one of my favorites. Though, Katie Bell was one that I wished would disappear for most of the book. Since at times most of her actions and decisions seemed a bit... childish. Luckily, towards the end of the book, I began to like her because I saw what a great friend she was to Helena. Another thing I disliked about this book was Roger. I really didn't see what Helena saw attractive about him. He smoked tobacco, for goodness sake, leaving him to spit out random sprints of black goo at times. I mean seriously what is so hot about that?? I really just don't understand.

The Lost Summer was mostly a coming of age book that dealt with finding out who your true friends are while experiencing romantic relationships and making good chooses in the end. This left the plot to be interesting and overall keep you engaged in the book.

Overall, The Lost Summer was my first Kathryn Williams book, but it certainly won't be my last. :)

I suggest this to fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti.

Grade: B-

The Lost Summer will be released July 14!

* Much thanks to Kathryn as well as her team at Disney Publishing Worldwide for hooking me up with a copy of this.